Malkangiri, May 20: A shocking revelation has emerged in the controversial “land jihad” case in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, where brothers Masum Khan and Jamal Khan are accused of illegally occupying 285 acres of government and reserved forest land in the Motu area.

Contrary to earlier reports of 100 acres, new evidence obtained by Argus News reveals the extent of the encroachment, raising serious questions about administrative inaction and alleged collusion during the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government.

The illegal settlement, dubbed Islam Nagar, was constructed just 2-3 km from National Highway 326, involving the clearing of forest land and the use of government funds under schemes like MNREGA for infrastructure like roads and fencing.

Masum Khan, a local BJD leader, is accused of leveraging political connections, including ties with former MP Pradeep Majhi, to facilitate the encroachment.

In a 2022 High Court writ petition, Jamal Khan admitted that their family controls 285 acres, claiming 360 acres were donated to their father, Ismail Khan, by Raja Bikram Deb in 1922, with 75 acres legally transferred.

Despite repeated exposés by Argus News, prompting investigations ordered by Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Khuntia, the local administration has been accused of stalling.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance, issuing notices to the Forest Department and Malkangiri District Collector, but the Forest Department’s response remains undisclosed, and the Revenue Department has taken no concrete action.

The Malkangiri Sub-Collector now claims only 35-40 acres are illegally held, citing a pending High Court case as a reason for inaction.

The case has sparked outrage, with local BJP leaders labelling it “land jihad” and alleging political backing. As the investigation continues, the scale of the encroachment and the administration’s reluctance to act highlight the challenges in reclaiming government land and ensuring justice in Odisha’s tribal-dominated regions.

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